Actress Uma Thurman is being sued by Lancome, the French cosmetics giant has confirmed.

Lancome says it did not violate its contract with the Kill Bill actress and she is not entitled to the $1m she has demanded.

The company filed papers in Manhattan’s state Supreme Court saying Uma has threatened a lawsuit claiming they improperly used her name and face in advertising.

The court papers state that Uma is complaining her name and likeness were used on Canadian billboards and Asian websites after her contract to help market the beauty products titan’s products expired.

Thurman signed to Lancome in April 2000 as one of the company’s celebrity faces. Lancome agreed to pay her $5.8m for the first two years and $3.1 million dollars for each of the two option years, if exercised.

Lancome’s court papers say the contract frees the company of responsibility if third parties use her name and face after the contract lapses.

Lancome’s lawyer, Peter Raymond, said that his client “can’t control everybody out in the world.”

Thurman’s lawyer, Bertram Fields, said he was surprised by Lancome’s lawsuit.

“I thought we were negotiating in good faith,” Mr Fields said. “I guess the French decided to strike a pre-emptive blow.

“I’m delighted that the case will go before a jury,” Mr Fields continued. “They got an enormous benefit throughout the world after the contract was over, and one million dollars doesn’t begin to do it.”